Proof that I was here. This may seem like just plastic, paper, and a safety pin on the back, but Giant Robot (GR) means allot to me. When I was going to the Art Center College of Design, it was the first time I had been away from Hawaii both in distance and length of time. Homesickness came easily. There was nothing in Pasadena that gave me the comforts of home. Then one day, I stumbled across 3 copies of GR and borrowed all of them. It was full of articles like: what did your mom pack for lunch, bento boxes, Kikaida, and Japanese cinema. These were things that I could relate too. Instantly, I didn't feel so homesick anymore. I guess it was because someone out here in Los Angeles appreciated the importance of these things. They were the components of growing up in the Hawaiian islands. Something that is dear to me.Fast forward to Saturday, October 24 which was opening night at the Japanese American National Museum and I am part of this wonderful exhibition and celebration of 15 years of GR existence (see my contribution 3rd picture down). That night made me feel as if the magazine that gave me so much comfort had never left my side. Big mahalos goes out to GR team Eric Nakamura, Martin Wong and Michelle Borok. Congratulations!
Bonus: here is a photo of LeBasse Projects Gallery Manager, Kim Luangraj, me, George Takei (who introduced Eric Nakamura) and LeBasse Projects Graphic Designer, Becca Martin. I whispered in his ear that I love his appearances on the Howard Stern Show. George bellowed with an enormous laugh followed with, "Oh my!" Snap. And this is his reaction halfway through. 
Before I made my exit, I had the pleasure of finally meeting Martin Wong who is co-founder of Giant Robot and his wife Wendy who is a fellow Art Center Alum. They had both tanned a bit from their recent trip to Oahu. I borrowed this picture of us from his blog. He is a really nice guy and deserving of all his success. Giant Robot Biennale 2: 15 years
October 24, 2009 - January 24, 2010
at: Japanese American National Museum
369 East First Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
To contact museum for any purchase inquiries try...
213.625.0414
museumstore@janm.org
3 comments:
It was great meeting you at the show, Ed. I really loved your painting!
aw man, your painting totally gave me a flashback--of my grandpa teaching me how to mix shoyu into wasabi!
Adam it was awesome to meet the genius behind the codes. Please keep in touch. All the best!
Aloha Carolyn. Ichiban sure holds allot of memories for all us Wailuku kids.
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